FIJI. The words of the Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase at the recent opening of Nadi International airport’s new-look terminal spoke volumes for the achievement of the project’s joint developer, Tappoo Group.
“Tappoo is one of the classic Fiji success stories,” he said. “Starting from nothing, this family company has built itself into one of Fiji’s best-known and most respected business enterprises.”
High praise indeed. But the Prime Minister had reason to be happy. For the main gateway to the beautiful islands of Fiji has had a spectacular new makeover that confirms its status as a key South Pacific transport hub.
“I congratulate AFL [Airports of Fiji Ltd] and the two joint venture partners (Tappoo ISF-Neocorp) for a project well done,” said the Prime Minister.
The F$23 million (US$12 million) revamp was completed in time for the South Pacific Games, hosted by Fiji from 28 June to 12 July. The project was a joint venture between Singaporean company Neocorp and Tappoo Group, which operates travel retail stores as part of its diverse business interests throughout the island nation.
Tappoo Group chairman Kanti Tappoo said the Fijian gateway has recorded a sharp lift in passenger numbers, positive feedback from airport users and improving spending patterns since the re-opening.
The new terminal opened to an influx of 6000 athletes and thousands more supporters from around the Pacific Islands for the region’s premier sporting event. Overall tourist visitor numbers in June showed an increase of +11.4% over June 2002. Tourism operators expect a strong third quarter performance following on from the improving business trend during the second quarter.
Tappoo’s International Shopfittings Division (ISF) worked with Neocorp for seven months of construction to meet the June opening deadline, bringing in a range of local and overseas consultants.
The project, commissioned by Airports Fiji, saw the ISF-Neocorp project team teamed with airport architects CPG Consultants, another Singaporean company. CPG was responsible for the design of Singapore Changi International airport and is currently engaged in work on Changi terminal three.
Key elements of the renovation contract included additional space for shops and food outlets; remodelling and reconstruction of the arrivals and departures concourse; a new escalator and staircase in the baggage reclaim area; new immigration counters and customs facilities; an extension of the transit lounge to encompass a new gate area with reconstructed walkway; installation of Italian-made seats for departing and transit passengers; and a new roof and skylights for the commercial concourse.
Some F$9 million worth of electrical and mechanical work was completed for the June reopening, including investment in lighting, switchboards, air conditioning, public address and fire alarm systems. Additionally, 11,500 sq m of ceiling for the main airport areas and 10,000 sq m of granite flooring has gone into the sleek new terminal, which has the clean lines of sight and vivid signage reminiscent of Changi airport.
At the opening ceremony on 20 June, the President of Fiji, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, commended the upgrade and renovation that he said would boost Fiji’s competitiveness in the world aviation and tourism markets. “This level of commitment will help Fiji to compete globally and produce the growth we need for more jobs and wealth in our domestic economy,” he said.
Ratu Josefa noted that the affiliation of Tappoo with Neocorp was significant for Fiji because the country had much to learn from the way Singapore had transformed itself into an internationally successful economy. He emphasised that the refurbished terminal would underpin efforts for Fiji to achieve the target of F$1 billion (US$525 million) in tourism earnings by 2007.
Chairman of Airports Fiji Limited, Viliame Leqa, praised the renovation/refurbishment work. “AFL is very pleased with what has been accomplished in a relatively short time. We congratulate the Tappoo Group, its ISF division and Neocorp for the quality of their work, for the technology they have employed and the new image for Nadi International airport.”
Leqa said AFL looked forward to working closely in the years ahead with companies like Tappoo and the ISF-Neocorp Joint Venture in realising its goals for the airport.
Kanti Tappoo (pictured) said that the contract had moved the group to its next level of development. “It was a natural extension of our business to bid for the airport project. We knew it would require the highest expertise and a total dedication to excellence.”
The investment in electronics means the terminal is now fully wired with TV monitors and that is already paying off for retail operations, he said. “The whole check-in procedure is faster and smoother, and since people now have easy access to information about their flight departures, they are more relaxed and have a longer dwell time in our stores.”
Tappoo already had a substantial investment in retail shops at Nadi International, where it operates a large duty free store as well as outlets selling souvenirs and destination merchandise. Tappoo has further retail outlets at Suva’s Nausori International Airport, along with three upscale department stores (in Nadi, Sigatoka and Suva), and boutiques and convenience stores at many of Fiji’s major hotel resorts.
The next major investment for the Tappoo Group is an F$5 million (US$2.6 million) plan to make additional improvements to its retail chain by the end of 2003. The focus for this next phase is again Nadi International Airport, where Tappoo has been granted additional space for shops in the extended departure lounge area. “ISF will embark on a major refurbishment of all Tappoo shops at the international airport to ensure we maintain our edge in the area of sophistication and finesse,” said Kanti Tappoo.
“We have a lot of confidence in Fiji and can see a clear growth trend in the country,” he added. “Tourism numbers are set to increase and major investments are underway or planned. There is also excellent scope for extending our retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses.”
That confidence is not misplaced. Fiji, with its clean, safe image and idyllic beaches and relaxed people and lifestyle, is becoming an increasing drawcard for international tourism, notably the Japanese traveller. This great Fijian success story is far from over.
